SUNDAY morning and the relentless rain continues unabated. The Hon Secretary views a deserted Town Hall square just two minutes before nine. Another beginners' ride appears to be a near washout.

One by one riders begin to gather and shelter under the Town Hall entrance canopy. Within five minutes a compliment of nine hardy souls were ready to face the elements accompanying the Hon Secretary Amy on the beginners' ride.

Heading up Chorley New Road into a ferocious wind the group made moderate progress, heads bowed against squally downpours. A left at Grimeford Lane, Anderton, took the gallant band to Blackrod and Little Scotland before turning into Haigh Hall grounds for a welcome respite from the appalling weather.

The tearooms were open and the lack of other customers made for abnormally quick service from cheery staff who stared unbelievingly at the refugees from the storms.

Spurred on at the prospect of a return journey with the wind more helpful the group made for Red Rock and Worthington Lakes, the rain still doing its utmost to fill them, before gaining the lanes to Rivington.

At last the rain ceased as they made the 'Barn' for more tea and cakes where the Hon. Secretary pondered over the fact that rain had bedevilled all of her beginners' rides, the words 'character building' kept coming to mind.

On Sunday there's an easy pace ride to Croston village, as nice a Winter ride as you can find, while the medium distance group head in a similar direction taking in Martin Mere and the quiet country lanes around that area.

Meet at the Town Hall square for the above rides for 9am start. Tel: 01204 491595 for details or e-mail amy01@ic24.net.